1. Arittha.-A monk. He had been subjected by the Sangha to the ukkhepaníyakamma for refusal to renounce a sinful doctrine, namely, that the states of mind declared by the Buddha to be stumbling-blocks are not such at all for him who indulges in them.
Arittha left the Order and would not come back until the ukkhepaníyakamma was revoked (Vin.ii.25-8).
He was a vulture-trainer (gaddhabádhiputta) (See note in VT.ii.377).
His case is cited as that of a pácittaya-offence because he refused to give up a wrong doctrine even after the monks had three times requested him to do so (Vin.iv.135).
In spite of the ukkhepaníyakamma the Chabbaggiya monks kept company with Arittha, thereby committing a pácittaya-offence (Vin.iv.137). We find the Buddha rebuking the nun Thullanandá for associating with Arittha after the ukkhepaníyakamma (Vin.iv.218).
It was Arittha's heresy that led to the preaching of the Alagaddúpama Sutta (M.i.130ff).
In the Samyutta Nikáya (S.v.314-15), Arittha is mentioned as having said to the Buddha that he practised concentration in breathing and as having described how he did it. The Buddha, thereupon, instructs him as to how such concentration can be done perfectly and in every detail.
In the Samanatapásádiká Arittha is mentioned in a list of enemies of the Sásana. Sp.iv.874.
2. Arittha.-An upásaka mentioned in the Anguttara Nikáya (iii.451) in a list of householders and upásakas who had seen and realised immortality and were possessed of unwavering faith in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha. They practised Ariyan conduct and had won wisdom and liberty.
3. Arittha.-A Pacceka Buddha, mentioned in a list of Pacceka Buddhas. M.iii.69; APA.i.106; also Netti, 143.
4. Arittha.-Nephew of Devánampiyatissa. See Mahá Arittha.
5. Arittha.-Son of the Nága king, Dhatarattha. See Kánárittha.
6. Arittha.-A messenger of Vessavana, employed by him to take his proclamations and publish them. D.iii.201.
Arittha Sutta.-Records a conversation - already referred to (s.v. Arittha 1) - between Arittha and the Buddha regarding concentration on breathing. The Buddha asks the monks whether they practise such concentration. Arittha says that he himself does and proceeds to explain his method. The Buddha, while not condemning it, explains to him how concentration could be made perfect in every detail. S.v.314-15.